Playboy poker camp anyone?

Wanna get in on the action at the World Series of Poker next year? If so, you may want to consider attending Poker Camp II, hosted by Playboy at the Palms casino from November 7 to the 11th. Whether you're an accomplished player or just starting out, you're sure to learn something from the world-class players who will be acting as instructors. These include Chris Moneymaker, David Williams, Phil Laak, and Antonio Esfandiari. Not too shabby.

You will also have the chance to win up to $100,000 in cash and prizes in tournaments and you'll get to spend time at our city's hottest exclusive spots, including the Playboy Club at the Palms. There's more and it's even better. A private jet will take you to an exclusive party at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles on the final night of the camp. Every guys fantasy. Okay, all sounds great, but now for a reality check. To take part, the VIP packages start at $10,000 for the four-day, four-night event, so it's going to have to be decision time. Four days and nights of playing and partying and maybe winning something big now or in the future--or putting a down payment on a house? Your choice. Just don't ask your S.O. first. I don't think I have to tell you what she'll say. Anyway, you can register at playboypokercamp.com or by calling 1-866-441-8187.

When I first heard of this, I thought they were mistaken, but no, Defending the Caveman, the successful show at the Golden Nugget, is going to feature a version of the show completely in German as part of Oktoberfest. They're calling it Cavetoberfest and will be presented October 20 at 3 p.m. in the Golden Nugget theater.

Karsten Kaie, who has been performing Defending the Caveman in Germany since 2001, will star in the production. Apparently the show, which debuted in Germany in 2000, had become the most successful one-man-show in the country, and more than three million people have attended since its premiere. There are currently 15 actors in Germany performing Defending the Caveman on tours. Tickets for the one-time-only performance are $40 for adults and $20 for students (tax and service fee not included) and can be purchased at the Golden Nugget Ticket Office, by calling (866) 946-5336, or online at www.goldennugget.com.

Cavetoberfest kicked off October 1 with special German drinks at the showroom bar including an imported German beer. Souvenir Caveman Las Vegas beer steins are also being given out as part of the month-long promotion. Kevin Burke, the local star of Defending the Caveman, will join Kaie to tap the keg at Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas on Friday, October 19. The festivities start at 7 p.m. at the Hofbräuhaus on Paradise Road, across the street from the Hard Rock. Should be a fun time.

Nevada Arts Advocates will be holding its eighth annual gala, An Evening in Wine Country this Saturday, October 13 at the MGM Grand Hotel Conference Center. Silent auction and cocktails begin at 7 p.m., followed by dinner at 8. You'll also have the opportunity to stomp grapes as part of the evening's festivities. Tickets for the event are $150. If you want more information, you can email nvartsadvocates@earthlink.net or call 702-362-8885.

As we all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace is helping in the fight against this disease with its Crystals for the Cure- a Crystal Body Art application promotion. The artful fashion accessory will be available at the Qua Crystal Body Art Room for just $10 with a purchase of any Qua treatment throughout this month (a typical Crystal Body Art application costs $130). All proceeds from Qua's "Pink Ribbon" effort will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a leading foundation in the campaign to raise awareness and remedy breast cancer.

One of Qua's most popular treatments, the Crystal Body Art offers beautiful and personalized designs created from Swarovski crystals applied directly to the skin. Applied by the hands of Qua's Crystal Artists, it's the ultimate bold fashion statement to show support for this disease that affects one out of every eight women. For more information or to book treatments, go to www.quabathsandspa.com or call (866) QUA-0655.

I'm always pleased when I see our entertainers giving something back to the community, so I was particularly happy to hear that a relative newcomer to our town is joining that group. Illusionist Hans Klok, star of Hans Klok --The Beauty of Magic at Planet Hollywood, has formed a partnership with Opportunity Village for which he will support the organization through a series of special events and promotions. This includes an upcoming benefit performance, unique incentive packages for donors, and special appearances at events such as the Magical Forest and the Las Vegas Great Santa Run.

"It touched my heart meeting all the amazing people during my recent visit to the main campus," says Klok. "I am very excited to be involved. Opportunity Village is such a vital and necessary organization in the Las Vegas community." Linda Smith, chief development officer for Opportunity Village, said, "We are honored that Hans Klok has chosen Opportunity Village as his charity of choice. We are truly lucky to have the support of so many Strip headliners throughout the years and Hans is a great addition to our family." If you would like to make a donation to Opportunity Village, go to the community page of the Hans Klok website, www.hanslasvegas.com/charity.

Good luck and I'll see you on the Strip. And don't forget to check out www.valleyblogs.com. If you have a question or a Las Vegas experience you would like to share with my readers, please e-mail me at lennylasvegas@gmail.com Please include your full name and the city or town where you live.